Plans for new homes spark road fears

Plans to build 75 new homes on land in Copthorne have led to fears over increased traffic through the village.

Developers want to knock down four houses - South Place, Beauport House, Carrsfarm Cottage and Hurst House in Copthorne Common Road - to build the new homes.

But nearby resident Tim Lane says that traffic in the area is already heavy and fears that an increase would lead to safety hazards.

And, he says, the houses earmarked for demolition are ‘historic county houses which would be a great loss to the community.’

In a letter of objection to Mid Sussex District Council, he says: “Traffic in the area is extremely busy and we would argue that any proposed development would not only add to an already very heavy level of traffic, but would also add a significant level of danger to that traffic flow.”

He said traffic from the new development would need to have access to the main Copthorne Road which was already dangerous with vehicles trying to exit a nearby garage and that pedestrians would also face danger when trying to cross the road to reach bus routes to Three Bridges, Crawley and Gatwick.

He said more congestion would be caused at the already-busy Dukes Head roundabout.

Mid Sussex District Council is due to consider the proposals at a meeting on January 26.